Read: Matthew 15; Mark 7
Jesus rebuked the teachers of the law for teaching their laws and completely overlooking the spirit of “the law”. They were upset because Jesus’ disciples had eaten without washing their hands first. They had concentrated on a small man-made tradition and neglected one of the Ten Commandments of honoring their mother and father. When their parents needed their financial assistance they lied and told them they had given all their money to the temple. Jesus exposed their hearts.
Then Jesus explained that it wasn’t what went into a man that defiled him but what came out of his mouth. Sometimes we can’t control what comes into our thoughts or life but we can control the intents of our heart and what we do with these things.
Later, Jesus went to Tyre where he met the woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon. She fell at Jesus feet and begged him to deliver her. He told her that he was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel. What Jesus said sounds mean but he came to do his Father’s will and he knew his assignment. Her response made him go further than his assignment and have mercy on her. It reminds me of when Mary told Jesus to do something about the wine at the wedding and he said it wasn’t time. Both of these women pulled at Jesus’ gift and got what they needed. We can do that too. It is called contending for a breakthrough. It took Daniel’s fasting for 21 days before Michael could break through the demonic wall and come to him. We don’t see the spirit world but it is very much there and sometimes we just need to contend for our answer. This lady got her answer.
Lord, I am contending for some things for my family. Thank you for this word. I will not give up!
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